Life in the American Colonies (Way People Live)

Discusses the day-to-day aspects of country and city life in the American colonies for a variety of people including members of different professions, specific immigrant groups, and slaves.

Grade 5-8-In their introduction, the authors describe the different groups of settlers who came to America and their reasons for making the journey. In discussing the living conditions in Colonial America, they draw contrasts between the various cities-north and south-explaining street layout, public meeting buildings, churches, trade centers, seaports, and architectural styles. The types of farms or plantations, crops grown, and the role of women in the countryside are related. Mention is also made of the lifestyle and dangers associated with living in the wilderness. Descriptions of a typical childhood, men and women's attire, and food and cooking methods are provided. The prevalent professions and how the majority of people made a living are discussed, and advances in science, technology, and health are described. The settlers' relations with and influences upon Native Americans are also touched upon. Sidebars explore various topics, such as apprenticing for Ben Franklin, fire fighting in cities, and driving in New York City. Black-and-white illustrations clarify the text. A clearly written and well-organized look at Colonial America.
Debbie Feulner, Northwest Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From The Way People Live series, this volume discusses aspects of life in the American colonies, primarily in the 1700s. Topics include immigrants, slaves, cities, farms, the frontier, home, crafts, professions, science, technology, and encounters with Native American cultures. Sidebars carry excerpts from eighteenth-century writings such as books, letters, and diaries. Black-and-white reproductions of period prints, paintings, and maps provide visual interest. Still, the format is on the dull side, but the text itself brings up many interesting points about the period and is bolstered with quotations from original sources, which are cited in appended source notes. Annotated bibliographies of works consulted and books recommended round out the volume. Students researching aspects of social history will find the book useful and informative. Carolyn Phelan